A Regional Training Workshop on LDC Graduation Strategies

The United Nations LDC IV Conference adopted the Istanbul Programme of Action for the Decade 2011-2020 in May 2011. The overarching goal of the IPoA for the decade 2011-2020 is to overcome the structural challenges faced by the least developed countries (LDCs) in order to eradicate poverty, achieve internationally agreed development goals and enable graduation from LDC category. The aim of IPoA is to enable half the number of LDCs to meet the criteria for graduation by 2020 with a strong focus on developing their productive capacities. Genuine partnership and solidarity with understanding and recognition that LDCs, as the most vulnerable group of countries, need effective national policies, enhanced global support and appropriate mechanisms at all levels for the achievement of the goals and objectives of IPoA.

As a follow-up to the LDC IV Conference, ESCAP has undertaken several activities mainly aimed at capacity building in Asia-Pacific LDCs. ESCAP also organized the Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting on the Implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA) for the Decade 2011-2020, in December 2011 in Bangkok which adopted the Regional Road Map. The Regional Road Map contains a set of capacity development activities aimed at delivering knowledge products for dissemination and advocacy, expert services, sectoral reviews, monitoring and evaluation, and provides a basis for formulating technical assistance programmes and projects at regional, sub-regional and national levels. It identifies the key agencies and entities which would be involved in delivering these products and services, all aimed at assisting these countries to graduate from their LDC status.

In May 2013, ESCAP received a request from the Government of Cambodia to organize a Regional Training Workshop on Graduation Strategies. In response to that request, UN ESCAP and UNDESA in cooperation with the Government of Cambodia will jointly organize the Asia-Pacific Regional Training Workshop on Graduation Strategies in Siem Reap, Cambodia during 4 to 6 December 2013.